Renowned psychologist Walter Mischel, designer of the famous
Marshmallow Test, explains what self-control is and how to master it.

A child is presented with a marshmallow and given a choice:
Eat this one now, or wait and enjoy two later. What will she do? And what are
the implications for her behavior later in life?

The world’s leading expert on self-control, Walter Mischel
has proven that the ability to delay gratification is critical for a successful
life, predicting higher SAT scores, better social and cognitive functioning, a
healthier lifestyle, and a greater sense of self-worth. But is willpower
prewired, or can it be taught?

In The Marshmallow Test, Mischel explains how
self-control can be mastered and applied to challenges in everyday life—from
weight control to quitting smoking, overcoming heartbreak, making major
decisions, and planning for retirement. With profound implications for the
choices we make in parenting, education, public policy and self-care, The
Marshmallow Test will change the way you think about who we are and what we
can be.

Quotes & Awards

“The discoveries that grew out of the marshmallow studies add up to one of
the most insightful research stories in the history of psychology.
Whatever it is now, your view of human nature will change profoundly as
you read this brilliant book.”

Daniel Kahneman, New York Times bestselling author ofThinking, Fast and Slow

“Fast paced and engaging…An encouraging reminder that, despite all the factors that urge us to indulge…you are ultimately in control of yourself.”

Wall Street Journal

“A fascinating read… In crisp, clear English he explains the latest research and helps readers understand better the surprising results of one the most well-known psychological experiments of all time.”

Economist (London)

“A tour de force…It is to be hoped that this book will make [Mischel] as much of a household name as his marshmallows are.”

Times Higher Education (London)

“Mischel…shares the culmination of over fifty years of research
on willpower and self-control in this expansive, eye-opening book…To be human is to grapple with the will: this stimulating
book encourages us to make mindful decisions.”

Publishers Weekly

“Mischel argues that our ability to
voluntarily exercise self-restraint in pursuit of that
just-got-to-have-it desire provides children with a powerful tool that
can help them succeed later in life…No one will deny that self-control would make for a better planet, and
this cogent guide suggests paths that may lead us to more conscious
control of this desirable quality.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Alan Alda’s relaxed performance makes it easy to pay attention to and digest this discussion on the importance of delayed gratification…It’s pure listening pleasure to hear Alda’s familiar voice and authentic engagement with this important book…Offering promising evidence that life-draining impulsivity can be replaced by more thoughtful decision making, this is an accessible collection of brain science and behavioral strategies that can help us improve this critical life skill. A finalist for the 2015 Audie Award.”

AudioFile

“A fascinating book. It is such an addictive treat that I had no
self-control in reading it, until I understood that I could actually
improve my self-control, and from then on I was in marshmallow heaven.
Stimulating, fun, clear, lively, and drawn from rigorous studies. It’s
not only accessible, but very convincing. Seriously, I love it.”

Alan Alda, six-time Emmy Award–winning actor

“This is an amazing—eye-opening, transformative, riveting—book from one of the greatest psychologists of our time. Mischel
delivers the powerful message that self-control can be enhanced and
shows us how!”

“Walter Mischel is one of the most influential psychologists of the twentieth century, and The Marshmallow Test will
make him one of the most influential in this century, too. Thanks in no
small part to his groundbreaking (and viral) findings, we know that
self-control is among the most important contributors to human
flourishing and that, though its biological roots run deep, it can be
dramatically enhanced in individuals and societies. Here we have the
maestro himself explain the science and its implications­—wisely,
accessibly, and humanely.”

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